What You Should Know About Gum Disease

Did you know that gum disease is a major cause of adults losing teeth? Gum disease also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth and support them.

Causes of Gum Disease

Illnesses can affect the condition of your gyms. This can include cancer or HIV, which will interfere with your bodies immune system.

Medications have the ability to affect oral health. Some medications can lessen the flow of saliva in your mouth, resulting in losing that protective effect on teeth and gums.

Hormonal changes, this can occur during pregnancy, menopause, puberty, and menstruation. Hormonal changes tend to make the gums more sensitive, making it easier for gum disease to develop.

Smoking, which makes it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.

Family History can also be a factor that contributes to the development of gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene habits can result in gum disease. These bad habits could be anything from not brushing properly, not flossing on a daily basis, and more.

Warning Signs

Bleeding gums

Gums that have pulled back from the teeth

Persistent bad breath

Red and swollen gums

Change in the fit of partial dentures

Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Permanent teeth that are separating

What Should You Do?

If you are experiencing any of the above warning signs, contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you let your dentist know, the better. The goals of treatment are to promote reattachment of healthy gums to teeth, reduce the swelling, reduce the risk of infection, reduce the depth of pockets, and to stop disease progression. Treatment options will vary on the severity of the stage of gum disease. Options will range from nonsurgical therapies that will help to control bacteria to surgery to restore tissues.

Here at Private Dental during your comprehensive oral evaluation of your mouth, you will receive a gum disease evaluation. During the evaluation, we will check your gums and the bone surrounding the teeth for signs of periodontal disease. Call today to request your appointment (312) 733-1020.